1. the means of supporting life; a livelihood
2. the state of existing or continuing to exist
3. the minimum level of income, food, or resources needed to maintain life
Usage: often used in economics

Examples

• The family struggled to earn enough for basic subsistence.
• Many farmers practice subsistence agriculture to feed their families.
• The refugees received aid packages for their subsistence.
• He worked multiple jobs just for subsistence.
• The remote village depended on fishing for subsistence.
• Government programs help ensure subsistence for the elderly.
• Their subsistence depended entirely on the harvest.